With construction and testing completed, a controversial natural gas pipeline will go into service next month, with gas flowing through Bayonne, Jersey City and offshore Hoboken.

The Spectra pipeline is expected to pump 800 million cubic feet of gas a day, starting in Linden and eventually making its way to Manhattan, the fruition of the $857 million project.

The testing phase of the 30-inch pipeline involved releasing nitrogen and other natural gases into the atmosphere at three locations in Jersey City -- Pacific Avenue near Grand Street, Burma Road near Liberty State Park, and 17th and Coles streets, Spectra spokeswoman Marylee Hanley said.

Although the project was initially contested by Bayonne officials, the city eventually signed off on the pipeline’s installation when Spectra officials agreed to pay $2.3 million per year in property taxes and modify the proposed route by running part of the pipeline offshore to avoid residential neighborhoods.

Public Safety Director Jason O’Donnell noted that despite the city’s initial hesitation, he is certain the pipeline will pose no safety risks to the community.

“We’ve worked hand in hand with Spectra to ensure that this will be the safest pipeline in the country,” said O’Donnell. “From a public safety standpoint, we’re very satisfied with the precautions taken and the levels Spectra went to to ensure the pipeline is the safest of its kind in the nation.”

Spectra also met resistance from Jersey City, Hoboken and community groups who claim the pipeline is a safety risk and a barrier to future development along its route. Nevertheless, it was approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in May of last year.

Jersey City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said in a statement earlier this month that the high-pressure pipeline “does not belong in a city the size and density of Jersey City.”

“We are extremely concerned about the immediate and long-range safety hazards this pipeline poses and the Department of Public Safety will continue to monitor and investigate these operations,” Morrill said.

Despite the opposition, Hanley stressed the overall benefits of the completed project. “This pipeline, once complete, will provide safe reliable natural gas, which will reduce dependence on foreign energy sources,” said Hanley, emphasizing that it was built to meet or exceed all federal safety needs and requirements.